Kenoma, under jockey Juan Marquez, setting the fastest qualifying time for the $110,172 QHRAI Stallion Service Auction Derby Saturday afternoon at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

© Coady Photography

SHELBYVILLE, IN–AUGUST 13, 2022–Kenoma (11-1) got his first win of the 2022 season on Saturday when he defeated post time favorite Mr Michel to set the fastest qualifying time for the QHRAI Stallion Service Auction at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

The10 fastest qualifiers, from three trial races, will return to Horseshoe Indianapolis on Saturday, September 3^rd to vie for the winner's share of a $100,172 going 400 yards.

Starting today from two off-the-board performances at Remington Park earlier this year, jockey Juan Marquez guided Kenoma to a three-quarter length victory while stopping the timer in :20,245 seconds into a 2 mph headwind. The time, equaling an 88 speed index, was the fastest from the three trial races.

Trainer Randy Smith conditions the daughter of multiple stakes sire Mr Ease Cartel for owners Brad Sharp and Brant Barley. Bred in Missouri by Larry Sharp, from the Check Him Out mare Bye Bye First Bird, Kenoma has won three of nine starts and earned $35,386. The QHRAI Stallion Service Auction Derby is the first stakes race she has qualified for.

Kiss Me At Midnight posted an impressive 1-1/4 length win in the final trial, under jockey Juan Marquez, to get the second fastest clocking of :20.261 seconds.

Also from the Smith barn, Kiss Me At Midnight races for owners Gordon Timm and Deborah Smith. Flag Ranch, LLC bred the multiple stakes finalist by leading sire Kiss My Hocks in Oklahoma from the Carters Cartel mare Midnight Cartel. The brown gelding has won five in nine career starts and earned $51,512.

Mr Michael, runner-up in the fastest trial, held on to the third fastest time of :20.369 seconds for owner Alberto Valadez.  Trainer Claudio Barraza named jockey Erik Esqueda to ride the stakes winning son of Kiss My Hocks from the Likenothinyoureversaw mare Loemelikethat.

Mark Michel bred the $188,260 earner and five-time winner in Indiana.

For a complete list of QHRAI Stallion Service Auction Derby qualifiers with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys CLICK HERE.
 

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The 20^th season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing extends through Wednesday, Nov. 23. Live racing is conducted at 2:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday with Thursday post times set for 2:10 p.m. A total of 12 Saturdays will feature live racing in 2022 highlighted by the 28^th running of the Grade 3 $300,000 Indiana Derby and the 27^th running of the Grade 3 $200,000 Indiana Oaks set for Saturday, July 9. For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis.